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Speakon Question

Hevy T

Hevy T

Jan 11, 2011
4,293
4,017
56
Lethbridge, AB Canada
#1
I am not used to the Speakon technology, the only other head I ever owned only had a speakon, without the 1/4 out (GK MB 200)

Do I need to use the Speakon connector to use the full power of the amp? My cab is a Rumble 4x10 and only has the 1/4 input though it is rated for 500 watts!!
 
#3
To answer your question...it's unlikely that the type of connector on your cable will effect the output of your amp.
Now...some amps will have both the 1/4" and speakon outputs, it's been my experience that the 1/4" is used if you're running in stereo, and the speakon is used if in mono, not all amps are setup or wired this way, but most that I have run across are. What I use in this situation (to run mono and most wattage), is a cable with speakon on one end and 1/4" on the other.

The basic electrical difference between the 2 technologies as I understand it, is about the same as using a polorized (2 prong) plug compared to a grounded (3 prong) plug. So, instead of using a simple Tip and ring configuration, you're using what's called a tip, ring, and sleeve (tip is grounded conductor, ring is power, and sleeve is grounding conductor).

Maybe that helps...maybe I'm completely nuts or wrong in this scenario. Best advice would be to read the manual for your amp.
 
#6
When I was buying my amp, the salesman told me that the difference between the speakon and the 1/4" cable was the Speakon is a powered cable, and the 1/4" is not. So the Speakon cable isn't limited by distance the way an ordinary 1/4" cable is. A 25' Speakon cable (or Speakon to 1/4") has the same performance as a 3' cable. With the 1/4" you would lose a lot of signal with a 25' cable.

I have no actual info, just what the salesman told me.
 
#7
Landy67 said:
When I was buying my amp, the salesman told me that the difference between the speakon and the 1/4" cable was the Speakon is a powered cable, and the 1/4" is not. So the Speakon cable isn't limited by distance the way an ordinary 1/4" cable is. A 25' Speakon cable (or Speakon to 1/4") has the same performance as a 3' cable. With the 1/4" you would lose a lot of signal with a 25' cable.

I have no actual info, just what the salesman told me.
Click to expand...

Wow...........
 
#9
Landy67 said:
When I was buying my amp, the salesman told me that the difference between the speakon and the 1/4" cable was the Speakon is a powered cable, and the 1/4" is not. So the Speakon cable isn't limited by distance the way an ordinary 1/4" cable is. A 25' Speakon cable (or Speakon to 1/4") has the same performance as a 3' cable. With the 1/4" you would lose a lot of signal with a 25' cable.

I have no actual info, just what the salesman told me.
Click to expand...

....and given that little sales talk, you still have no actual info.

The Speakon interlock system is generally preferred for its security of connection and immunity to shorting out if connected while under power. Nothing wrong with a 1/4" > 1/4" cable if handled & applied correctly. The big boys, though, will use Speakon connections whenever possible...and banana plugs, but that's another story.

FWIW, you can take virtually any 1/4" > 1/4" speaker cable, slice off one end, and re-fit with a quality Speakon connector for ~$5.

Riis
 
#16
Landy67 said:
When I was buying my amp, the salesman told me that the difference between the speakon and the 1/4" cable was the Speakon is a powered cable, and the 1/4" is not. So the Speakon cable isn't limited by distance the way an ordinary 1/4" cable is. A 25' Speakon cable (or Speakon to 1/4") has the same performance as a 3' cable. With the 1/4" you would lose a lot of signal with a 25' cable.

I have no actual info, just what the salesman told me.
Click to expand...

Christ....

This wasn't at Guitar Center by any chance.....:hiding:

This thread contains a wreath of misinformation and and one salient fact. Speakon connectors are now standard on most amps for safety purposes. The twist lock ensures a stable connection and significantly reduces the chances of fire or damage to equipment. The rest is just silliness. :)
 

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